US2208230A - Method of treating melted matters - Google Patents

Description

y 1940- G. AQRUBISSOW METHOD OF TREATING MELTED MATTERS Filed Aug. 31, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOK July 16, .1940. s. A. RUBISSQW METHOD OF TREATING MELTED MATTERS Filed Aug. 31, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 NQENTOK July 16,1940. G. A. RUBISSOW METHOD 0F TREATING MELTED MATTERS Filed Aug. 31, I958 SheetJs-SheetS y 1940. G. A. RUBISSOW 30 METHOD OF TREATING MELTED MATTERS Filed Aug. 31, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 \MJENTOK Patented July 16, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE George A. Rubissow, New York, N. Y. I

' Application August 31, 1938, Serial No. 228,952 In Great Britain December 3, 1938 8' Claims.

The present invention relates to the production of solid bodies and materials, which are solid at room temperature and fusible (melt) under the influence of heat. It is more especially, al-

though not exclusively, concerned with the treatment of metals and metallic alloys, but it applies also to the treatment of glass, stone, condensation products and the like.

It has already been suggested to subject such substances, when in the molten state, to a centrifugal treatment. But the results obtained by these methods were far from satisfactory, although advantages were obtained, especially as regards the fllling of moulds and the elimination of bubbles.

The principle of mounting an electric furnace for die casting on an arm extending at right angles from. a vertical shaft rotated by a motor is already known. Another principle which is ing a mould about its longitudinal axis at a peripheral speed of from 1200 to 2500 or even more feet per minute for from 2 to 15 minutes.

2 A third known principle involves the manufacture of hollow shapes from solutions of phenol and formaldehyde (not under the influence of heat) by rotating the mould about its longitudinal axis at a speed of 2000 to 3000 revolutions per minute.

The object of the present invention is to provide a novel method for producing materials which have better structural properties than it i has been possible to give them up to now for a given composition.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 represents a side view partly in cross section of one of the apparatuses used for the application of the method.

40 Figure 2 is a top plan view partly in horizontal section of Figure 1.

Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 represent side cross sectional views of the container in which molds with the material to be treated are placed.

Figure 9 is a cross sectional view of a mould for the manufacture of crank shafts.

Figure 10 is a cross sectional view of an apparatus-lever and container-for producing precious stones.

00 Figure 11 is a top plan view partly in cross section of a container for producing optical lenses.

Figure 12 is a side cross sectional view of Fig 55 ure 11.

known involves the moulding of hollow articles of concrete (not in molten condition) by rotat- Figure '13 is a. plan view of half of a propeller mold.

. Figure 14 is a cross section of Figure 13.

Figure 15 is a plan view of a broken-out part of the mold and of the whole propeller.

Figure 16 is a cross sectional view of Figure 15.

Figure 17 is a schematical diagram of Pie! in relation to the revolution.

Figure 18 is a side cross sectional view of a container and mold for manufacturing cylinders.

Figure 19 is a cross sectional plan view of Figure 18.

Figure 20 is a top plan view of Figure 18.

Figure 21 is a cross sectional plan view of a container and mold for twin cylinders in line.

Figure 22 is a cross sectional view of a container and mold including a mold for manufacturing pistons.

Figure 23' is a cross sectional view of Figure 22.

The present invention relates to a method of treating and manufacturing solid fusible materials of the character referred to by subjecting them to the influence of centrifugal force, and this method is characterised by the fact that the material, which has been melted in any suitable manner, is subjected whilst in the molten state to the influence of centrifugal force by rotating the crucible, mould or the like in which the material is contained, about an axis which is substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the mould or the like during its rotation, the material being subjected to the influence of centrifugal force for a period of time equal to at least five seconds for a radial thickness of 1 cm. of the material under treatment, to be increased substantially in proportion of the radial thickness, the centrifugal force being capable of creating in the interior of the material at a distance of 1 cm. from the inner surface thereof, a pressure which is not less than one-fourth the specific gravity of the material in kg./cm. The material then continues to be subjected without interruption to the influence of centrifugal force until it at least commences to solidify, that is to say, just have acquired the plastic condition.

Advantag'eously, according to my invention, the centrifugal treatment is continued during the whole or a part of the solidification of the molten mass of material treated, and even after the end of said solidification, reaching the normal room temperature for additional cooling and ageing purposes.

According to my invention, the centrifugal treatment may be continued for the whole of the I its usual manner (without the centrifugal treatment), or immediately subjected to a mechanical treatment, and in the second or third cases used as it is, or annealed in a known way before being subjected to a, mechanical treatment. According to still another feature of the present invention, the matter subjected to the centrifugal treatment is, during the whole or a part of the time of solidification thereof, subjected to the action of vibrations.

Preferably, according to my invention, the melted matter is treated in a suitable mould, or the like, having as a rule a longitudinal axis of symmetry and the axis of revolution about which the centrifugal treatment is effected is at right angles to said axis of symmetry or makes a substantial angle therewith.

In some cases, according to my invention, I

modify this angle during the treatment.

Other features of the present invention will result from the following detailed description and examples thereof.

A method of centrifugal treatment using a crucible, mould or the like, which is carried at.

the end of an arm keyed radially to a shaft driven directly or indirectly by a suitable motor; the arm may be balanced by a counterweight. Instead of arranging a single arm on the shaft a number of such arms may be provided and a crucible or the like carried at the end of each arm, in which case the various crucibles counterbalance one another so that counterweights are unnecessary. Instead of arranging crucibles or the like at the end of arms, a number of arms may form spokes which are connected together at their outer ends by a frame in the form of a rim, on which there are mounted, preferably at equally spaced distances, a number of crucibles and the like. be of any suitable length.

Whilst it is preferred to' arrange the arm or other rotary member in a horizontal position, it

will be understood that this arm may be arranged to rotate in a vertical plane or in a plane arranged at any suitable angle to the horizontal.

Preferably the shaft is arranged vertically and the crucibles or the like are pivotally suspended with their filling openings at the top, the arrangement being such that the center of gravity of the crucible with its charge will be below the pivotal axis. As a result of the rotation of the shaft, the crucibles or the like will gradually move from a vertical into a horizontal position as the speed of the shaft increases, and, as a result of this rotation, the molten charge in the crucibles or the like is subjected to the ICE, influence of the centrifugal force, whereby the charge in the crucible or the like is compressed and formed into a compact mass.

It will sometimes be advisable that a pivoted casing be attached to the outer end of the arm, into which casing all containers with the molten mass, such as crucibles, or the like are placed and submitted to the ICF.

Heating of the solids, under treatment, if re- The arm or arms may,

quired, may be effected by any suitable means, preferably electrically or by gas burners.

In the case of electrical heating the resistance wires may be arranged in the wall of the crucible or the like and connected by wires passing along the arms to slip rings provided on the shaft. Another method of electric heating may consist in connecting one of the wires to the molten mass, when this is an electrical conductor, whilst the other wire projects from the bottom or other suitabl point of the crucible into the molten mass.

4 In the case of heating by gas burners, these are arranged inside or outside the crucible or the like.

The cooling of solid under treatment may be effected by removing all the heat in an accelerated, normal or slowed-down manner, and may be realized if necessary by application of suitable cooling media.

Another method of centrifugal treatment involves a loading member which may be placed, if

desired, on the molten solid thus assisting the centrifugal force in compacting the solid under treatment. This loading member, which is preferably of lower specific weight than the solid under treatment, will be a solid, which has a higher melting point than the temperature used during treatment, and be made of metal, stone, or ceramic material or a combination of both. The loading member may, in certain cases, be fitted into the crucible or the like loosely, so that a space is formed between it and the inner wall of the crucible or the like, so as to allow a small quantity of the solid under treatment to pass through the space in question. The material passing through the space constitutes waste, but in spite of this the waste which occurs with this method is considerably lower than that which occurs with ordinary casting processes.

It is observed that whilst in connection with ordinary casting considerable waste occurs at both ends, the waste which occurs by the present method will be practically nil at the outer end and almost negligible at the inner end.

Another method of centrifugal treatment consists in having, if desired the crucible or mould or the like closed at the inner end (nearest tov the axis of rotation) in'which case one or morepouring gates may be provided at this end; the gate or gates extend a suflicient distance upwardly so that they and the crucible or the like will be filled completely with molten material when subjected to the ICF. By the provision of the pouring gates the head of molten material in the crucible or the like is increased so that when the crucible is rotated the surface of material adjacent to the inner end of the crucible is also subjected to compression or pressure by centrifugal force. It will thus be seen that the longer the pouring gate or gates, the greater will be the weight of the head and consequently the greater the eifect of centrifugal force.

The receiver or the like may be of any suitable cross-section according to the shape of the article to be produced.

The attached drawings show, by way of example, some of the various-diagrammatical embodiments of this method and the devices to which this method can be applied.

Fig. l is an elevational view of an apparatus for carrying out the method, according to this invention, showing the shaft I rotated by means of a wheel 28; attached to'the said shaft, an arm 2 on the end of which the pivoted axle 4 is fixed,

and on which a casing or crucible is pivotally mounted, and the counterweight 3. is placed in the container 29.

Fig. 2 is a top plane view of Fig. 1, partly in horizontal section.

Figs. 3 and 4 are vertical views of a casing B pivoting on the axle 4 which is part of the arm 2 and a crucible 5 in which the molten solid 1 is placed. The crucibles 5 are of different shapes and filled with diiferent melted material I. Between the casing and the crucible there are insulating layers or walls 8 preventing rapid transmission of heat. v

Fig. 5 is a cross section of a container 6 attached to the arm 2 in which the molten solid lis poured, and an additional weight 9 is placed on top to increase the ICF. l is the insulating material. The insulating material may be at the same time a means which will facilitate the removal of the already cooled solid, for which purpose it may be crushable.

Fig. 6 is a vertical section view of another form of the casing for carrying out this invention, in which a crucible or a mould 5 is put.

Fig. 7 is an elevational view, partly in vertical section of a casing 6 containing another crucible or container $5, with insulating walls 3, the container 5 being provided with heating electrodes l and II.

Fig. 8 is a radial section of a container provided with. the pouring gate l through which the molten solid .1 is poured into the mould including the pouring gate l5, and which latter material is indicated by l3 and may be considered as waste. It are the bolts, or other means, which hold the two parts of the container together. This container may then be put into another casing to be submitted to the ICF.

Fig. 9 is a casing or a mould l6 for production of crank shafts I! having a pouring gate, and the material contained in the pouring gate is l3. Between the mould and the crank shaft may be introduced an insulating and/or crushable layer 1 8. This layer is shown partly only.

Fig. 10 is an apparatus especially intended for production of precious stones. 23 is the casing pivotally attached at the rotating arm 2. 8 is the first inner insulating case; 24 is the second inner insulating case; 32 is the precious stone. 33 is the negative pole of the electric current placed below the precious stone 32 and 34 is the positive electric pole placed at the top of the precious stone 32, and which during the rotation moves and presses under the influence of ICE against the molten stone 32. 35 is the additional weight on the positive pole 34 to increase the pressure. I 8 and I9 are the arrangements for, conducting the positive and negative currents whilst the shaft l is rotated.

Figs. 11 and 12 represent special rotating cases 26 for manufacturing in bulk optical lenses or any other glasses. means of the shaft I. The molten glass 36 or the like is introduced when the casing 26 is at standstill and when rotated is poured automatically into the forms or moulds 21 which are cut out in the container 26. These moulds may be, if necessary, lined by special insulating material or metal 3|. 3| may also be a separate inner mould to be put into each of the moulds of the container. which will facilitate the removal of the glasses.

Fig. '13 is a plan view of a two-parts mould 45 for making solid propellers 46. The two parts meter.

This case 26 is rotated by 3| may be madeof any substance 45 are attached to each other by means of screws, I

or any other means 41.

Fig. 14 is across section view, corresponding to Fig. 13, of a mould 49 for making hollow propellers 48. The two parts of the mould 49 are attached to each other by any connecting means 50. In the mould is introduced a core 5| which must correspond to the inside hollow of the propeller and which may be made of such material that it may be taken out after the propeller is cast. 52 are the chaplets to keep the core 5| in the right position relative to the moulds 49.

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary view of a mold ele. ment for the manufacture of a propeller blade according to the present invention.

to Fig. 15.

Fig. 1? represents by way of example a diagram, in which Pm. the pressure created by ICF, is expressed in kilograms per square centi- R (the radius of the rotation, or the distance between the nearest surface of the treat ed solid and the axis of rotation) is regarded as constant and is equal'to 220 cm. H is the length of the solid and in the example, is assumed to be equal to 30 cm. G is the specific density of the treated material, which in the example is assumed to be 7.5 (the approximate density of ordinary cast steel). The axis Pici shows the pressures in kg./cm.'*, from 100 to 800. The lines marked 100 REV, 200 REV, 300 REV, 400 REV, 500 REV, 600 REV, 700 REV, 800 REV, 900 REV, 1000 REV, 2000 REV, and 3000 REV, represent the revolutions per minute of the treated solid. It is easily seen from the diagram that, for in stance, at 1000 REV the treated solid 'l-at the point farthest away from the axis of rotation is compressed with 630 kg./cm. at 10 cm. lower- 420 kg.; at cm. lower2l0 kg. This is given only by way of example and approximately.

Fig. 18 is a diagrammatic radial sectional view of a pivotable mould for manufacturing of cylinders, pistons, and the like.

'Fig. 19 is a horizontal sectional view of Fig. 18, taken on the line MM.

Fig. 20 is a top plan view of the ,Fig. 18.

Fig. 21 is a vertical section of a rotatable container including a mould for manufacturing twin-cylinders in line, adapted to undergo a centrifugal treatment about its own axis.

Fig. 22 is a vertical section of a container including a mould for manufacturing of pistons.

Fig. 23 is a horizontal section on the line MN of Fig. 22.

It is known that by centrifugal casting, better tubes are obtained than by the ordinary method.

It is well known that cylinders and pistons very soon become oval 'by wear-after which time the compression becomes defective, oil consumption too high and so forth. The general average engine 'for automobiles, motorcycles,

boats, and so forth, has cylinders with a diameter from 2 to 7 inches. son, manufacturers of tubes and/or cylinders For this particular reaapplied thereto by the ICF, and only the exterior 16 Fig. 16 is a cross sectional view corresponding surface has the maximum pressure applied thereto. Hence it is easily seen that such a method produces an improvement of the material, but at the wrong place, asthe working surface'of a cylinder is the inner one, and not the outer one. It may also be pointed out that as the wall thickness is generallyabout to 1 inch it is practically impossible to obtain considerable pressures even on the outer surface.

Just the contrary is offered by'this invention. For producing the cylinder the molten material is placed in a mould having the shape of the required cylinder. For this purpose there is used a main cylinder mould (m-c mould), the inner diameter of which m-c mould is equal to the outer diameter of the cylinder to be obtained. Into the m-c mould there is then placed a core, the outer diameter of which is equal to the inner diameter of the cylinder to be obtained, the core being spaced from .the bottom of the mould. When the m-c mould, containing the core, has been filled with the molten material, this m-c mould is placed in a receiver, with its closed bottom end .on the bottom of the receiver. This receiver is pivotally attached to an arm, which arm is attached radially to a rotary shaft.

According to the present invention the mould is not rotated around its own axis, but around an axis which is substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the m-c mould, at the required radius of rotation (R exterior) and preferably the axle of rotation should be exterior to the mold or at least exterior to the inner surface of the mold, i. e. exterior to the material to be treated therein. By this means, it is easy to apply any required ICF and any required pressure Picf. I

Observing now the result obtained in manufacturing' the cylinder as described, according to this invention, it may be remarked that the cylinder 50 obtained will, atany point thereof, have the same pressure (Pm) applied on its inner and outer surfaces. This pressure will increase up to the maximum, at the bottom of the m-c mould, which bottom is the cylinder head, treated at the exterior radius (Rext) relatively to the axis of rotation. These pressures diminish proportionally and became equal to zero at the top of the m-c mould treated at the inner radius of rotation (Rint).

When such cylinder after machining and polishing is to be put in an engine, it must be so placed that its head (Rext, Pici' max.) will be the compression chamber.

The same method is aplied when manufacturing any other tubular member.

According to this invention, the manufacture of cylinders, pistons, layers and the like, may

be carried out in any suitable container.

The said mould or the like may itself be directly attachable pivotally on the arm fixed on the rotary'shait, provided that it is capable of resisting. Otherwise, the said mould is placed on the bott'om of a receiver, and the receiver rotated as above described. A number of moulds or containers or the like'may be placed in the same receiver. 1

In the Figures 18, 19, 20, I have shown a special receiver mould which consists of 53 a pivoting axis, of 54 thecontainer or mould; 55 and 56 are the core segments between which the segment 51 is introduced, so that it can easily be removed after treatment. To the segments core 55 and 56 loops are attached. 58 is a pouring gate. 66 is the axis of rotation around which the entire mould is rotated. R'mz and Rm are the distances from the axis of rotation to the material which is to betreated. The material to be treated is 6| which has the form of a cylinder. 62 is a link which keeps together the three parts of the core 55, 56, 51. 92 is the insulating materialsand, etc. 65 are the openings for allowing the outlet of the gases and air having the same height as 58, but their upper parts are not shown. 63 are the articulations which permit the two parts of the' mould to be separated. 64 is a screw to clamp the two parts of the receivermould together.

In the Figure 21 66 is the upper part of the container or mould and 61 is the lower part of the container, both parts being lined with in-' sulating material 92. 68 is a pouring gate going co-axial with the axis of rotation. 69 are the screws for attaching the two parts of the mould together. 10 is a twin-cylinder in line to be obtained. 1! is the axis of rotation of the said receiver. 12 is a bearing of the upper part of the receiver. 13 is the upper part of 66 forming at the same'time an axle. 14 is a lower part of 61 forming an axle, on which the wheel 15 is mounted to be connected with the motor force. 16 is the bearing in which 14 turns. 11 and 18 are the core segments between which two intermediate segments, of ,the core 19 and are introduced. 9! is an additional weight for increasing the pressure in the pouring gate.

In Figures 22 and 23 an arrangement to illustrate the application of this method is specially adapted for making pistons, where 8| is the mould consisting of two similar parts, 82 and s83 are core segments and 84 is the intermediate core between 82 and 83. 85 is the ring for keeping together the three cores. 86 is the articulation element. 81 are the holes for the screws or some other means to keep the two parts together. 88 is the cast piston. 89 is the axis of rotation around which the whole mould moves. k This invention is also applicable to the casting of guns having parallel thickness or such which are reduced in wall thickness from thebreech to the muzzle, or vice-versa. For casting such a gun, the breach of it is farthest removed from the axis of rotation.

The invention is also applicable for casting propellers or propeller blades, specially for aircraft and marine use, as the propeller or propeller blades may be cast under the same action of centrifugalforce under which they will be used, that is to say, the propeller or propeller blades, during casting, is rotated at the average speed at which, approximately, it may rotate when in use (or a number of times that speed) for resonance purposes. In this manner, the fibres of the structure are caused to be directed in the required direction for withstanding the stresses to which the blades will be subjected when in use.

A propeller may be cast completely as a unit of two or more blades and a boss, or separate blades may be cast, or each blade cast intwo or more portions which are subsequently welded or assembled by any known means (bolts, screws, 'etc.).

In the casting of a complete propeller, the boss is located at the middle and the mould rotated around the boss. Suitable cores are provided for making hollow blades.

For casting a blade in two separate portions, there is formed a casting of one half of a hollow blade. the division being taken along a plane forming the blades, it will be understood that the passing through the leading and trailing. of the blade.

In casting blades or two separate portions for edges tip of the blade must be at the point farthest from the axis of rotation (or vice-verse if the thickness of the blade is anti-proportional to the.

eflforts) so that the blades or blade portions fare cast under substantially the same conditions;{'as those in which they will be used, and consequently will be exposed substantially to the same vibrations or stresses or in resonance to them.

' bubbles, vacuum, without any flaws, etc.

For this purpose, an electric furnace, which is itself a crucible, or includes a crucible, is used. There will now be described my way of example a method of producing precious stones. H

The stone, for instance sapphire, etc., in the form of dust, or ofsmall stones, or of a chemical composition, is placed in a crucible, made from a material which only melts at a temperature higher than the highest temperature used during treatment. This crucible may be enclosed in at least one receiver of heat insulating material, such as asbestos, fireproof stone, magnesia, charbon or mixtures of these materials. The receiver is then placed into a very strong container, preferably of steel having high resistance, and this container is submitted to rotation after its contents have been melted.

The inner dimension of the crucible itself may be, for instance, 20 millimeters high and 10 millimeters internal diameter, if it is desired to obtain a stone 10 millimeters in diameter and about the same height. Generally the crucible is at least twice as high as its internal diameter, as this is necessary when using the material contained in the crucible as the weight producing pressure.

The heat is produced by means of two electrodes, one of which may be, for instance, introduced through the upper part of the crucible and having more or less the same dimension, if desirable, as the diameter of the crucible. This electrode may even touch the material tobe melted, or it may be provided with a spring arrangement to press it against the material, or it may be fixed, or it may be pressed against the material by the ICF. The other electrode is connected with the lower part of the crucible.

The cooling under the ICE of precious stones and some types of glass, must sometimes extend over many hours and even days.

Another application of my invention is in the manufacture of different glasses and particularly optical glasses for microscopes, telescopes, cameras, mirrors, prisms etc., etc. It is known that in this industry considerable difficulties are met with in eliminating from the molten mass of glass substances or the like, the so-called glass bubbles, often microscopically small, caused by gas, air or impurities. etc., and also in eliminating all other irregularities. This invention eliminates all irregularities and enables perfect material to be obtained; furthermore, the materials (glass,

aaoaaso under treatment. By this means, the molecules or crystals which have been placed in good order under the ICF, are,caused to reflect or transmit beams of light in an entirely new manner, and, therefore, if they are polished at a certain angle to their radius of rotation, they may offer the said polarisation effect as well as new reflecting characteristics.

In the case of water cooling, the water is supplied continuously through an appropriate device near, or around, the shaft and then forced through tubes or the like to the parts of the furnace, mould, receiver, or the like, to be cooled; and after passing the surfaces to be cooled, the water is then conducted to an outlet and rejected by the ICF. The efiiciency of the circulation of water (which also means efliciency in cooling) may be controlled either by the cross-sections of the inlet and outlet, or'the pressure in the supply pipe, or by the outlet being placed nearer or farther from the axis of rotation; the nearer it is placed to. the axis of rotation, the slower will be the circulation of water.

The said appropriate device for connecting the rotating tubes or the like to the stationary supply pipe, may consist of a disc which is rigid and hav-' ing a circular channel to which the water supply pipe is connected, and a-second disc, which is fixed to the shaft and connected with the circulation tube or the like; the surface of the discs touchingtightly and the circular channels covering each other substantially. A similar device may be provided at the water'outlet.

An example will now be given to illustrate the variations of REV (speed of rotation), time and temperature which are possible when treating a solid under the ICF according to this method:

Assuming- A=Treatment of the material underthe ICF whilst in molten state B= Ireatment of the material whilst molten state, without the ICF AB=Treatment of the material whilst in molten state, partly with the ICE. and partly without C=Solidification including cooling down to room temperature, under the ICF D=Solidification including cooling down to room temperature, without the ICF CD=Solidification including cooling down to room temperature, partly with the ICF and partly without E=-Ageing of the material (after cooling) under the ICF, and

-t=-The temperature of the material under treatment (t1500 being a temperature of 1500 centigrade) T=The time during which the ICF is ap plied (Tl7 =17 seconds) REV=The number of revolutions per minute (REV 0:0 revolutions=a rest, whilst REV 100/2000 meansfrom 100 revolutions up.

up to 2000 revolutions)--Now, by way of examplethis will mean that the material is under ICE in molten state at 1000 revolutions per minute, at a temperature of 1430, during 5 seconds; followed by a rest of 120 seconds at the same temperature (1430); then cooled from 1430 down to 1200 under the ICF at 1200 revolutions per minute, which speed is then increased to 2050 and at the same time the temperature is decreased progressively from 1200 to 20, within a time of 700 seconds; finally aged during 7000 seconds at 2050 revolutions per minute at 20.

The foregoing is only one example, and all reasonable variations are within the present invention.

Another aspect of this invention is to carry out the rotation partly in one direction, and partly in the reverse direction (REV) and (REV).

According to another aspect of this invention, mechanical vibrations V may be applied to the solid under treatment, either by applying V to the shaft supporting the arm, to the arm supporting the crucible, or the crucible itself (or by the furnace, mould or the like), so that when such a device is rotating, it receives periodically or otherwise, one or more shocks or vibrations, or

a each other.

The application of two simultaneously applied centrifugal forces, as described, in two different directions, may be understood by the following: Imagine that a big cube is submitted to ICF, on the one side (a side approximately perpendicular to the radius of rotation) of which a man is hanging by his hands and his feet are hanging down along the side surface of the cube, and the centrifugal forces draw him towards the bottom of the cube. If the man has sufficient force, he can remain taut, continuing to hang. The same is true in regard to the solid treated under ICF, if instead of a man, we imagine a crystal or molecule or the like of the said material. Now imagine that our man hanging on the cube is at the same time not only drawn towards the bottom of this cube, but also another force will push his hands and his body sideways or horizontally or perpendicularly to the direction.

Then our man could no longer maintain his position, but would occupy the place in which he will be able to remain resisting both of the said forces. In the example of. the solid,'the same will happen when the crystals, molecules, and the like, will under the simultaneous application of (Plant and (Picf)c occupy such a place where further compacting or compressing is no longer possible, under the given conditions.

This example shows that this method of application of two centrifugal forces simultaneously applied, is not only an invention which can be used-for the particular applicati was described before, but also could be applied or many other chemical and medical applications.

Of course, it isalso possible to apply centrifugal forces on three different planes.

The method of treating solids under the ICF produces a pressure inside the structure of the solid itself, and this pressure which has been applied while the solid was in a molten state or during solidification, is after the material has become solid, kept in the form of a potential or dormant pressure (which will be called ZW), and the greater the pressure that has been applied by the ICF', and the longer its application, the greater will be the potential or dormant pressure retained within the solid after solidification.

For the convenience of the further description of this invention, the following abbreviations will be used: PM Pressure created by the action of ICE (when its amount is indicated in this Specification, it is measured in kg./cm. at a distance equal to (R+1) cm. If the radial thickness of the material h is greater than 1 cm., there exists really a surface at a distance of (R+1) cm.; if h is smaller than 1 cm., the pressure will still be measured at the same distance, but on an imaginary surface.

onds.

treatment. Number of calories supplied and/or lost for the maintenance of the material under the ICE in molten state and until solidification begins.

--'I'ime during which Qtm is supplied and/or lost.

by the material whilst it becomes solid and reaches the temperature of 20- *:20 0. (room temperature).

-Time during which Qt; is lost by the material under treatment, under the ICF.

Time of ageing under the ICF.

Radius measured from the axis of rotation to the inner surface 01" the treated material, the inner surface being the surface nearest to the axis of rotation.

Radius measured from the axis of rotation to an imaginary surface located 1 cm. below the inner surface of the material.

A pressure Pici' applied during a certain time. Therefore, grid is measured in kg. sec.

(R+1) cm.

pid

The amount of pid during Tm only while the material is molten. The amount of pid during solidifying T5 only. The amount of pid: during ageing (time Ta). The energy which is incorporated in the treated material in a form of a potentially kept quantity of pid.

-,-A potentially incorporated quantity of pid during a period of time Tm;

pidm

pid's ZWm Temperature of the material under- Number of calories which are lost" ZWS -A potentially incorporated quantity of pid during a period of time Ts, following after the material has been provided with ZWm and until complete solidification of the material is reached (period of time T5).

: ----An a: part of ZW, (periodof time -An 1: part of the T,,,.

%' An z part of the T,.

3 I An :1: part of the Pid,.

Ts.y or Pids.y-AI1 1! times of the Ts or the Pidl- When making use of containers pivoted on the rotating arm or the like, and when using different speeds of rotation, it is clear that each speed will move the container or the like into the angular position corresponding to the particular speed of rotation, that is in the direction of the resultant force-line. The centifugal forces, which have a definite direction, i. e. perpendicular to the axis of rotation, remain in this direction when the speed of revolution is modified, so that the molten material changing its direction on account of the charge of the speed of rotation, will be submitted to the said action of the ICF under different attacking angles.

It is clear that when the ,solid is in a molten state (Tm) and during part of the solidification stopped at an appropriate moment during solidification.

Instead of changing the attack angle of the centrifugal forces by means of changing the speed of rotation, the same result can be obtained by devices controlling the inclination of the mould or the like, with regard to the axis of rotation. For-this purpose, very simple mechanical or electro-mechanical devices may be provided, or more complicated arrangements may be made for sliding or rolling the moulds or the like, on guideways or guide surfaces.

Such devices are also necessary when it is desired to treat the solid to straight horizontal force lines'. As it is preferred that the shaft to which is keyed the arm carrying the pivoting mould or the like be vertical, it is clear that such mould or the like could not under any speed of rotation take a straight horizontal position, as its own gravity will act against the centrifugal forces.

In casethe mould or the like is not able to attain the desirable position (with a view to the desirable attack angle of the centrifugal forces) at the speeds of revolution prescribed for the particular treatment, than an additional weight can be attached to the bottom part of the mould or the like excentrically to its axis; if such additional weight is placed farther from the axis of rotation, the attack angle will be reduced; if nearer to the axis of rotation. the attack angle will be increased, allowing even a position of r 180, i. e., perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

In case of voluntarily'changing the attack angles, it becomes sometimes necessary to provide closing devices in order to prevent the material from pouring out as the mould changes its position. Such closing devices are preferably made in the form of a stopper made of a material the melting point of which is higher than the melting point of the solid under treatment.

. This stopper closes the top of the mould'or the like, and, if necessary, may be pressed against the surface of the solid under treatment by any mechanical means, or by springs, counterweights, and the like. This stopper may be, at the'same time,'a loadingmember as described before.

Proceeding with the question of attack angles, it is sometimes important, for the purpose of obtaining hardness, high tensile stress, utmostpolishing capacities and fine grain character, to maintain substantially the same speed of rotathe last part of (Tm), such solidification (Tl) following directly after (Tm), so that the attacking angles of the centrifugal forces will not be changed before solidification of the solid under treatment. Very good results are'so obtained, and this wasnot known until the present, be-

, cause the change of the force-lines or centrifugal forces in relation to the particles (such as molecules) of the treated material has not been taken into consideration previously. Instead 0f'(T|), L

only may be employed.

Another advantageous form of this method of treatment, according to this invention, is that the moulds or the like, when they are pivotally attached to the arm of a drum or any other rotary member, are so made that their axle of pivoting is placed as near as possible to their center of gravity when filled with the molten solid, which will then allow the torque of the force (provided by the weight of'the mould plus molten solid) to be as small as possible, and, therefore, when such molds or the like are pivoted by the action of the ICF, the attacking angle of the centrifugal forces will change much less in degree. It is suflicient to have the geometrical axis of pivoting of such moulds or the like, only a few millimeters above their respective center of gravity. The said moulds" or the like may be provided with means for adjusting the position I of the center of gravity thereof.

As to the choice of Blcf, which action on the innerstructure of the solid provides the characteristics as above described, it is necessary to ,tion (REV) during (Ts) as was applied during 25 use Picf (measured at (R+1)cm. as explained) Time Tm' must be between and seconds at least, and it is always preferable to increase it as much as economically and technically possible within certain limits as hereinafter set forth as each increase of time renders the structure of the solid more orderly, more compact, more compressed; e. g. it eliminates also the smallest bubbles, free spaces, unnecessary gases and so forth, which require a certain time to. travel through the molten mass to the outside thereof, as they must do so under considerable pressure which is produced by the action of the ICF. Tm depends substantially upon theradial thickness and the shape of the body to be made.

This invention recommends increasing Tm and this must not be misunderstood because after a certain time Tm maximum it must not be continued, as otherwise unnecessary energy is lost. Certain materials, such as iron, steel, metal alloys generally, do not require Tm for radial thickness of about 10 cm. any longer than -300 seconds for providing the maximum phenomena in the inner conception of the so treated solid.

During the time Tm the temperature must be so maintained, by any known means, that the molten mass of solid is capable of remaining in the molten state.

In some cases, it is sufl'lcient to overheat the molten material before submitting to Tm so that such over-heated material will contain the necessary amount of Qtm calories, which amount of calories it will lose during the time Tin. This method may be very economical if moulds or the like are provided with insulating means, so that the Qtm will be suflicient to maintain the material in a molten state during all the time Tm. Generally speaking, each solid may be overheated about A of its melting point in degrees centigrade, provided that it is not decomposed (as may happen with certain alloys).

Overheating of the solid may be combined with heating of the crucible, mould or the like (e. g. electrically'or by any gas burner), or not overheated material may be charged into such a heated mould, or crucible or the like. The heatable crucibles, moulds or the like may also be provided with insulating means.

Special care must be taken with moulds, according to this invention, when the bodies to be treated have different thicknesses in different parts. Where the thickness is wide, for instance greater than 2 cm., the material poured in will conserve its heat longer than where the thickness is only a few millimeters. Therefore moulds and the like/for this invention, must be provided if and where necessary with heating meanselectrical or otherwise-and/or insulating means,

vention. Even if the moulds had beenpreviously heated, the heat was not sufficient for keeping the material in a molten state even during the minimum amount of Tm required as claimed in this invention.

In the glass industries for making, for instance, glasses, lenses, and the like, it is easy to keep Tm as long as desirable, because the melting point of make the containers, mould or the like, of a very good heat conductor in order to mg.

In some cases, the material just from the moment when it begins to solidify, is solidified by ordinary cooling without the ICF (T8=0). The material so treated acquires some new characteristics, as its structure has been put in perfect order and all its particles compressed and compacted by the ICF during Tm.

T5 if not zero, may be any period of time from, for instance, one second up to several hours and even several days. Different results are obtained when, instead of the whole of Ts, only a fraction thereof is employed for applying the ICF. For instance, when steel after Tm istreated under the "ICF during accelerate cool- "=250 seconds and this steel is different from another treated for the full time of T5 (for example 10,000 seconds are necessary to reach the room temperature) and different from another steel treated during an increased T8=(T8']l) =1.5T8 or 3T8 and so on.

Iron, for example, is molten at about 1,500 C., and has already partly solidified (has acquired plastic condition) at about 900 C., but at this temperature it is too soft and cannot retain the incorporated pressure imparted by the ICF. Therefore, even such materials as iron, steel, metal alloys, or the like, must for some purposes be solidified under the action of the centrifugal forces at least until reaching 40 C. and preferably the ordinary temperature (20 C. 1' '20 C.), when they will be employed or further treated.

The choice of Ts is very delicate in the case of glass and precious stones manufacture, according to this invention; some stones require that immediately after Tm, the Ts will be small, and that the stone or glass is then cooled in the ordinary way and during a very long period of time. Others require that I =2,000 seconds, i

will be stoppedat about the moment when the temperature will become so long that the material is solid but still less hard, as compared to its normal hardness.

When ageing under the ICF (Ta) is required to.

In order to give an idea of the importance of the main features, the following figures are stated as role. for the general treatment under the ICE of metals and metal alloys.

For a radial thickness-h less than 1 cm., the time Tm must not be less than seconds, and the PM (pressure measured at a distance (n+1) cm. ii-om the axis of rotation) must not be less than (one fourth) of the specific density a in l./Bm. The time Ts must not be less than 180 seconds.

For it between 2 cm. and 3 cm, Tm must not be less than 7 seconds, Pm not less that i kg/cmfi, and T5 not less than 300 to 600 seconds. proportionate to the thickness.

For it between 3 cm. and d cm. Tm must not be less than secondsPnr not less than V4. 1 lrg/cmfi, and T5 not less than 600 to 800 seconds proportionate to the thickness.

For it between 4 cm. and 5 cm., Tm mustnot be less than 12 seconds, Pic! not less than V 9 ken/ch13, and Ta not less than 800 seconds.

For it between 5 cm. and 7 cm., Tm. must not he lms than 14 seconds, Pic! not less than y i kg/cmfi, and Ta not less than 900seconds.

For it between 7 cm. and 10 cm.. Tm must not be less than it seconds, PM not less than V i Rg/cmfi, and TB not less than 1,200 seconds. 7

For k between 10 cm. and 30 cm., Tm must not be less than seconds, Pic! not-less than 9' kg./cm. and T5 not less than 1,200 to 2,400 seconds proportionate to the thickness.

For it between cm. and cm., Tm must not be less than 20 seconds, Plot not less than V 9 kgJcmfi, and T8 not less than 2,400 seconds.

Fbr it over 50 cm., Tm must not be less than 25 seconds, Pic! not less than $41 i ks-Icmfi, and

Ts not less than 2,400 secs.

Ins

or 'n,

only, that is when the action of the ICF has ceased at a stage when the solid just begins to solidify or is ina pasty state or red-hot, and so forth, and the remainder of solidification carried out without the ICF, the material so obtained will ofier new characteristics on account of its having been ordered and compacted by the ICF during Tm, and whilst it will not be able to retain the total amount of Pld, it will, however, not lose the homogeneous structure imparted by the ICF.

Many metals treated with an appropriate J leability, high elongation, better tensile stress,

' sometimes also better hardness.

is a very interesting feature especially for solids to be worked. The solidification may, in that case, be completed under ordinary conditions without the ICF and the material worked later on; or the material is immediately passed on to a rolling mill, or presses, for instance, where-it will be worked with a facility unknown hitherto. In both cases the solid may finally be heat-treated and/or hardened in the ordinary-ways.

For treating precious stones, sapphires, emeralds, etc., of about 1 cm. in diameter, the Tm may be very small-3 to 5 seconds, but the maximum pressures are recommended to be very high-Pm substantially about 17 kgJcmP. If smaller pressure is used, then the Tm is recommended to be longer, with a view to obtaining the most homogeneous nature of the precious stone.

For erent' plastic materials the melting points of which are generally very low, Tm may be as short as the minima fixed for metals; Par also the same as for metals, and TB established according to practice.

There is no doubt that a solid containing 35 kg'. sec. mdmm cm.

and

355 kg. see.

will be difl'erent from a solid of the same chemical composition and containing 200 kg. sec. cm. and

200 kg. sec. 1 and so forth.

Another aspect of this invention consists in a method subjecting the material to the ICF under the regulation of the corresponding determinations of amounts of the Pidm and Pids or It has been explained that Pida and PM are measured in kg. sec.

and this at a distance of one centimeter below the inner surface oi'the treated material. In reality the Pie! is growing with the growing of the distance from the center of rotation.

Pm, at the distance of (R +2) cm. is bigger than P101 at the distance of (R+1) cm., etc. Therefore Pidm is bigger than Pidm measured accordingly at (R+2) cm. and at (R+1) cm. distance. For the convenience of the interpretation of this invention the general total of the Pidm and of Pidl or Pid.

27 incorporated during the T or respectively during the I'- or in the whole mass of the treated material may be designed by the integral of Ptd, i. e.,

f Pid,., or f PM or f P In order to convert, after its manufacturing, 1. e.. after cooling down to a suitable or even room temperature, a non-homogeneous material may be easily converted, according to another aspect of this invention, into a homogeneous material (speaking in the said sense) and this can be done by reheating or annealing this material to a temperature at which the material does not lose its plastic condition and still keeps in totality or in part the better structural properties acquired during the previous treatment under the ICF.

Such reheating or annealing will transform the non-homogeneous material into a homogeneous one (speaking in the said sense) and this method is extremely important especially for the treatment of metals and metal alloys.

. Although certain forms of the present invention have been described in the application by way of illustration, it will be understood that these are not intended to limit the invention either in respect of the method used or in respect of the solid materials and articles so treated or soobtained.

Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of. my said invention and in what manner the same j is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is:

1. A method of treating and manufacturing solid fusible material of the character referred to by subjecting it to theinfluence of centrifugal force, which comprises subjecting a mold or the like containing the material in a molten state ,to the influence of centrifugal force by rotating the mold and the material contained therein g0 about an axis exterior to the mold for a period of time during which the treated material is in molten state, which period is substantially equal to at least five seconds for the radial thickness of the first centimeter of the said material under treatment, plus at least for two secondsfor each additional centimeter of radial thickness up to the point where the same thickness substantially reaches ten centimeters, and not taking in consideration any radial thickness in excess of ten 4 centimeters, the centrifugal force being suiiicient lygreat and which speed of rotation is sumciently great to create in the interior of the material at the distance of one centimeter from'the surface thereof nearest the axis of rotation, a pressure which is not less than one-fourth the specific gravity of the material expressed in kilogramper-square-centimeter, and thereafter permitting the material in the mold to cool while continuing uninterruptedly the rotation of the mold and wam thereby continuing the influence of said centrifugal force on the material during the cooling thereof until said material has at least cooled sufficiently to be incapable of flowing.

2. A method of treating and manufacturing solid fusible material of the character referred to by subjecting it to the influence of centrifugal force, which comprises subjecting a mold or the like containing the material in a molten state to the influence of centrifugal force by rotating the mold and the material contained therein about an axis exterior to the mold for a period of time during which the treated material is in molten state, which period is substantially equal to at least five seconds for the radial thickness of the first centimeter of the said material under treatment, plus at least for two seconds for each additional centimeter of'radial thickness up to the point where the same thickness substantially reaches ten centimeters, and not taking in consideration any radial thickness in excess of ten centimeters, the centrifugal force being sufllciently great and which speed of rotation is sufficiently great to create in the interior of the material at the distance of one centimeter from the surface thereof nearest the axis of rotation, a pressure which is not less than one-fourth the specific gravity of the material expressed in kilogramper-square-centimeter, and thereafter permitting the material in the mold to cool while continuing uninterruptedly the rotation of the mold and thereby continuing the influence of said centrifugal force on the material during the cooling thereof until the material is cooled down to not less than the room temperature.

3. A method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the mold is rotated at a greater speed during the cooling of material than whentreating the material in its molten state.

'4. A process as set forth in claim 1, wherein the material treated is metal.

v 5, A process as set forth in claim 1, wherein the material treated is glass.

6. A method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the mold 'or the like or the material contained therein are subjected to successive shocks during the rotation thereof.

7. A process as set forth in claim 1, wherein p the melted fusible material is heated to such a temperature prior to the beginning of the rotation of the mold that the material remains in the molten state during said period of time, without additional heating of themold or the like or the material during the rotation thereof.

8. A process as set forth in claim 1, wherein the mold is rotated simultaneously about two different axes birth of which are exterior of the mold.

GEORGE A. RU'BISSOW.

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